Town of Lakeville park commissioners on Oct. 23 reviewed plans for an outdoor “fitness court” intended for Ted Williams Camp and directed staff to continue grant work while selecting a site.

The presentation said the town has applied for multiple grants and has already secured $40,000 from a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant and applied to a T‑Mobile Hometown grant (for $50,000), and that the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is being asked for $100,000. The presenter said the total project cost is “about $270 (or so),” and staff described remaining funding as pending from additional grant applications.

Commissioners and staff discussed several potential sites at Ted Williams Camp, including an overflow parking area adjacent to the tennis courts that staff said is relatively level and would require only paving and installation of the fitness structure. Lacey (human resources) and Andrew (town administrator) told the commission the units are ADA accessible, built for outdoor use and designed for low maintenance; the program includes an ambassador to teach use and an optional app for workouts.

Several commissioners praised the concept as a free fitness resource that could draw daytime users, including seniors who could walk from the Council on Aging. At least two commissioners said they support pursuing grants for the project, but some members pressed for clearer evidence residents would use it and warned that applying for grants for this project could affect the town’s ability to fund needed repairs at other parks including John Pond and Clear Pond.

A motion expressing support for the fitness court was made and seconded, but the commission’s legal counsel advised the body that it could not take a binding vote on the matter during the current agenda item; commissioners said they will record their preference and take a formal vote at the next meeting after a finalized site is identified. Staff said CPC typically considers funding in February and that a separate park grant award could arrive in July, with any CPC allocation ultimately subject to town meeting approval.

Commissioners also discussed siting constraints: most green space is used by field sports, and staff said the tennis‑court–adjacent parking area is tucked away from the busiest sports areas and within walking distance of the Council on Aging, which some members cited as a community benefit.

The commission asked staff to continue pursuing the grant applications already submitted and to return with a proposed location and funding update at the next meeting.